Fogging system providing atomized solution and ultraviolet light to treatment area

ABSTRACT

A system for disinfecting an enclosed area may include a humidity sensor, and a fogging device including a portable housing, an atomizing disinfectant generator carried by the portable housing, at least one output circuit carried by the portable housing, and a processor carried by the portable housing. The processor may be configured to determine a humidity level within the enclosed area based upon the humidity sensor, operate a humidity control device via the at least one output circuit responsive to the determined humidity control level being outside of a starting humidity range, cease operating the humidity control device responsive to the humidity level being within the starting humidity range based upon the humidity sensor, and initiate a treatment cycle during which the atomizing disinfectant generator dispenses atomized disinfectant fluid into the enclosed area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation Ser. No. 15/981,125 filed May 16,2018 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.15/658,803 filed Jul. 25, 2017; which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/043,744 filed Feb. 15, 2016, which claims thebenefit of provisional app. No. 62/115,871 filed Feb. 13, 2015,provisional app. No. 62/200,679 filed Aug. 4, 2015 and provisional app.No. 62/506,697 filed May 16, 2017, which are hereby incorporated hereinin their entireties by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of disinfecting, deodorizing,preserving, or sterilizing, and, more particularly, to apparatuses andmethods for delivery of disinfecting, deodorizing, preserving, orsterilizing solutions.

BACKGROUND

Disinfection and sterilization are particularly important in the fieldof healthcare to ensure that infectious pathogens are not transmitted topatients via medical devices or the environment in which patients aretreated. While medical instruments may be placed in autoclaves or othersterilization chambers for sterilization, sterilization of theatmosphere and surfaces within a patient or operating room can be moredifficult and labor intensive to perform properly. Moreover, there isevidence to show that a manual “spray and wipe”, in addition to beinglabor and time intensive, is not always a suitably effective process fordisinfection. More particularly, spray and wipe allows for human error(missing areas where pathogens reside), and may also allow forcross-contamination (spreading of germs).

While spray and wipe processes remain an important component of adisinfection strategy for certain applications, more contemporarymethods such as fogging for whole room disinfection may be desirable tohelp ensure that all surfaces, whether visible or not, are reached foreffective pathogen elimination.

SUMMARY

A system for disinfecting an enclosed area may include a humiditysensor, and a fogging device including a portable housing, an atomizingdisinfectant generator carried by the portable housing, at least oneoutput circuit carried by the portable housing, and a processor carriedby the portable housing. The processor may be configured to determine ahumidity level within the enclosed area based upon the humidity sensor,operate a humidity control device via the at least one output circuitresponsive to the determined humidity control level being outside of astarting humidity range, cease operating the humidity control deviceresponsive to the humidity level being within the starting humidityrange based upon the humidity sensor, and initiate a treatment cycleduring which the atomizing disinfectant generator dispenses atomizeddisinfectant fluid into the enclosed area.

In an example embodiment, the treatment cycle may include a saturationphase wherein the atomizing disinfectant generator operates to dispenseatomized disinfectant fluid continuously to bring the enclosed area to atarget saturation level, and a pulse phase wherein the atomizingdisinfectant generator operates to intermittently dispense atomizeddisinfectant fluid to maintain the enclosed area at the targetsaturation level. In another example embodiment, the system may furtherinclude at least one ultraviolet (UV) light, and the processor may befurther configured to, after a first time period following initiation ofthe treatment cycle, activate the at least one UV light via the at leastone output circuit to irradiate the enclosed area and atomizeddisinfectant while the atomized disinfectant fluid is being dispensedinto the enclosed area. Moreover, the processor may be furtherconfigured to, after a second time period following initiation of thetreatment cycle longer than the first time period and prior tocompletion of the treatment cycle, deactivate the at least one UV lightvia the at least one output circuit.

In an example implementation, the fogging device may further include apower outlet carried by the portable housing and coupled to the at leastone output circuit, and the processor may activate the humidity controldevice via the at least one output circuit and the power outlet. By wayof example, the humidity control device may comprise a dehumidifier or ahumidifier. In some embodiments, the at least one output circuit maycomprise a wireless communications transceiver. In one implementation,the humidity sensor may be carried by the portable housing. By way ofexample, the humidity starting range may be between 30% and 50% relativehumidity in the enclosed area.

A related fogging device, such as the one described briefly above, andrelated method for disinfecting an enclosed area using such a foggingdevice are also provided. The method may include determining a humiditylevel within the enclosed area based upon a humidity sensor, operating ahumidity control device via the at least one output circuit responsiveto the determined humidity control level being outside of a startinghumidity range, ceasing operating the humidity control device responsiveto the humidity level being within the starting humidity range basedupon the humidity sensor, and initiating a treatment cycle during whichthe atomizing disinfectant generator dispenses atomized disinfectantfluid into the enclosed area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a fogging device in accordance with anexample embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the fogging device of FIG. 1 with aside panel removed and illustrating installation of a fluid reservoirtherein.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the area B of FIG. 2A illustrating anexample funnel assembly for the fluid reservoir in greater detail.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fogging device of FIG. 1 with theside panel removed and illustrating installation of a compressortherein.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fogging device of FIG. 1 with theside panel removed after installation of the fluid reservoir andcompressor.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are top and side views, respectively, of an example nozzleassembly for the fogging device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system for treatingan enclosed area with an atomized fluid which may include a plurality ofthe fogging devices of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8-11 are screen shots of a mobile wireless communications devicewhich may be used with the system of FIG. 7 illustrating various controlscreens for operating the fogging devices.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system for treatingan enclosed area in accordance with another example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a system for treatingan enclosed area in accordance with still another example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating method aspects associated withthe system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating method aspects associated withthe system of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating method aspects associated withthe system of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the foggingdevice of FIG. 1 including integrated ultraviolet (UV) lighting which isselectively activated during a fogging treatment cycle.

FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example systemincluding the fogging device of FIG. 17 for treating an enclosed areawith an atomized disinfectant and ultraviolet light in accordance withanother example embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating method aspects associated withthe foggers and systems of FIGS. 18-19 and 20-21.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of thefogging device of FIG. 1 for selectively activating an external UV lightduring a fogging treatment cycle.

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example systemincluding the fogging device of FIG. 20 for treating an enclosed areawith an atomized disinfectant and ultraviolet light in accordance withanother example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is provided with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which various embodiments are shown. However, otherembodiments in many different forms may be used, and the disclosureshould not be construed as limited to the particular embodiments setforth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey theclaim scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to likeelements throughout.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-7 and 14, the present disclosure relatesto a fogging or atomizing system 30 which may be used for theapplication of a chemical solution to a treatment area for the purposesof disinfecting, deodorizing, preserving, or sterilizing the area oritems within the area, for example. By way of example, the foggingsystem may be used for application of a disinfectant chemical to anenclosed area, including one or more rooms in a building, as well as invehicles such as busses, ships/boats, airplanes, subway or train cars,automobiles, trucks, etc. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, thosecomponents schematically shown on the right of the vertical dashed lineare considered to be within the enclosed treatment area.

The fogging system 30 illustratively includes a plurality of foggingdevices or foggers 31 which are to be positioned within the enclosedtreatment area (FIG. 7) to perform a treatment cycle. Each foggingdevice 31 illustratively includes a portable housing 32, and anatomizing fluid generator carried by the housing and including a fluidreservoir 33 carried by the housing, a compressor 34 carried by thehousing and coupled to the fluid reservoir, and an atomizing nozzle 35carried by the housing and in fluid communication with the fluidreservoir. The fogging device 31 further includes a first wirelesstransceiver 36 carried by the housing, and a first processor 37 carriedby the housing and coupled to the compressor and the wirelesstransceiver.

The fogging device 31 may provide several advantages over conventionaldevices, in that it is relatively compact, rugged, and portable. In oneexample implementation, each fogging device 31 may provide an atomizedsolution of chemical to disinfect enclosed areas up to 10,000 squarefeet for a one gallon fluid reservoir, although the size of the foggingdevice 31 and reservoir may be changed for treatment of areas ofdifferent sizes. By way of example, the fogging device 31 may be used inmedical, mold remediation, commercial and residential applications, aswell as other areas. Furthermore, in addition to disinfecting,deodorizing, preserving, or sterilizing applications, the fogging device31 described herein may also be used for other applications such as thedelivery of pesticides (e.g., for termite, mosquito, bedbug, or generalpest prevention chemicals). In some embodiments, the fogging device 31may also be used in a semi-enclosed or open area, in addition totreating enclosed areas.

The housing or case 32 of the fogging device 31 may be a relativelycompact and rugged rotomold construction, and in the illustrated exampleit includes molded banding along the bottom and top of the unitencompassing one or more round air intakes 40 (although air intake orexhaust ports may be located at different locations on the housing). Thefogging device 31 also illustratively includes cut-outs for power entry41, an output(s) 42 (e.g., an electrical AC outlet), and associatedcircuit breaker 43. A fill cover 48 (FIG. 1) is over an integratedfunnel 44 (FIG. 2B), which leads to the chemical solution reservoir 33(e.g., a one-gallon reservoir, although other sizes may also be used).By way of example, feet 45 (e.g., rubber) may be coupled to the bottomof the housing 32 (four are shown in the example embodiment, althoughother numbers may be used in different embodiments). Cord wraps (made ofinjection mold) may be used to stow the power cord in some embodiments,if desired.

The form factor of the fogging device 31 allows for relatively easytransportation, as well as stability during transport. An integratedhandle 46 also allows for ease of carrying. In the example embodiment,the total size of the unit is 19¾″ long×14½″ wide by 17¼″ high, althoughdifferent dimensions and case shapes may be used in differentembodiments. Metal reinforcing mounting plates may also be used insidethe housing 32 to mounting the various internal components and increaseruggedness and structural integrity.

The atomizing nozzle 35 is carried by a nozzle holder assembly 50, whichallows the nozzle to be adjustable to multiple dispensing positionsranging from vertical to horizontal (although a greater range ofadjustability than 90° may be used, if desired). That is, the nozzleholder assembly 50 advantageously allows fogging vertically orhorizontally as conditions require. More particularly, the nozzle holderassembly illustratively includes two “L” shaped or 90° brackets 51, 52with a hole through each side or leg of the bracket. The holes in thebracket 51 allow a feed pipe 53 to supply compressed air from thecompressor 34 to the atomizing nozzle 35, while the holes in the bracket52 allow a feed pipe 54 to supply chemical fluid from the fluidreservoir 33 to the atomizing nozzle 35 (FIGS. 5 and 6). In someembodiments, an optional filter may also be connected in-line betweenthe fluid reservoir 33 and the atomizing nozzle 35. The nozzle 35 ispivotally coupled to the brackets 51, 52 to allow the above-notedrotation from horizontal to vertical orientations (or otherwise), asdesired. The fluid reservoir 33 may optionally include a vent, such aswith barb fitting, for example. In some embodiments a strap may be usedto add further stability to the fluid reservoir 33 within the housing32, although this is not required in all configurations.

In some embodiments, an actuator may be included that is controlled bythe first processor 37 to move the nozzle 35 during the treatment cyclefor enhanced fog circulation, if desired. Also, in other embodiments,more than one atomizing nozzle 35 may be used, as well as differentmounting configurations, along with an appropriately sized compressor toprovide increased atomized spray output. One example atomizing nozzle 35which may be used is part no. 1/4J—SU2A from Spraying Systems Co. ofWheaton, Ill., for example, although other suitable atomizing nozzlesmay be used in different embodiments. Moreover, different atomizingnozzles may be interchanged for different chemicals, and in someembodiments the processor 37 may accommodate different treatmentschedules and/or parameters (e.g., times, pressures, etc.) for differentnozzles and treatment chemicals, to allow use of the same fogging device31 for a variety of different treatment applications. Such treatmentschedules and/or parameters may be implemented at the time ofmanufacture of the fogging device 31, as well as by firmware updates ata later time, as will be discussed further below.

The fogging device 31 may be assembled with the fluid reservoir 33 andcompressor 34 being riveted to the interior of the case or housing 32(although other suitable connectors, such as screws, bolts, etc., mayalso be used). Recessed rotomolded groves may also be provided in thecase for side panel attachment, if desired.

In the illustrated example embodiment, the outlet 42 is a 120V outlet toplug in an air scrubber/filter or dehumidifier to aid in shortening thetime required to clear the disinfected area after application of thechemical disinfectant solution, as will be discussed further below. Theoutlet on/off power may be sequenced by the processing circuitry, i.e.,the first processor 37, carried on the included circuit board(s) (notshown), for example. The processing circuitry may be implemented using acombination of hardware (e.g., microprocessors, etc.) and anon-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executableinstructions for causing the processing circuitry to perform the variouscontrol operations for the fogging system. One or more case fans 55 mayalso be provided to aid in housing and compressor cooling, which mayalso be controlled by the processing circuitry.

By way of example, the first wireless transceiver 36 (which may also becarried on an internal circuit board) may be a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (WLAN),WiMax, cellular, or other suitable wireless transceiver which may beused to wirelessly interface the first processor 37 with other foggingdevices 31, wireless humidity sensors, wireless filters ordehumidifiers, as well as one or more mobile wireless communicationsdevices 60 (e.g., smart phones, tablet computers, laptops, etc.). In theillustrated example, the wireless communications device 60 is a smartphone including a second wireless transceiver 61 and a second processor62. With reference to the flow diagram 140 of FIG. 14, beginning atBlock 141, the second processor 62 may be programmed to identify theplurality of fogging devices 31 within the enclosed area based upon thefirst and second wireless transceivers, at Block 142. In accordance withone example implementation shown in FIG. 8, the second processoridentifies that there are four fogging devices 31 within wirelesscommunication range which have serial nos. 1234, 1235, 1236, and 1237 asindicated on a display 63 of the mobile wireless communications device62.

In addition to an identifier (e.g., serial no.) of the identifiedfogging devices 31, various other types of information or events foreach fogging device may also be provided to the wireless communicationsdevice 60, including a status of each fogging device 31, a time left inthe fogging cycle, etc. For example, treatment cycle status informationmay be provided, such as when the treatment cycle has been initiated,how much treatment time left, and when the treatment cycle is complete.Another event is when the treatment area is safe to enter. For example,the treatment area may be safe to enter after a delay period followingtreatment. In another example, the treatment area may be safe to enterafter an associated air filtering or dehumidification process iscomplete following treatment, as will be discussed further below. Anaudible alarm may also be provided to indicate one or more of thefollowing events. Moreover, other information which may be communicatedto/from the fogging system may include start/stop commands, a pause ordelay command, updated status requests, tank fill level, operatingtemperature, etc., for example.

In another example shown in FIG. 9, the mobile wireless communicationsdevice 60 may allow a user to input certain parameters associated withthe treatment job to be performed. In this example, an operator's name(here “Frank”) may be provided, along with a name of the building or jobsite (“St. Mary's Hospital”), a room number of the job (“345”), thedimensions and/or volume of the room to be treated, a target humiditylevel (here 95%), as well as fog time (here 30 minutes) and pulse time(here 15 minutes). Moreover, these settings may also be saved in memoryas a job and assigned a respective number (here job #35) so that thenext time a treatment is performed the job particulars need not be inputagain.

For the present example where multiple fogging devices 31 are present inthe enclosed treatment area, the second processor 62 may determinerespective fogging times for the plurality of fogging devices based upona size of the enclosed area and the number of fogging devices identifiedwithin the enclosed area, at Block 143. More particularly, multiplefogging devices 31 may advantageously be used in conjunction for thetreatment of larger areas, or to expedite the treatment of a smallermore critical area that needs to be turned around quickly (e.g., anoperating room, etc.). Knowing the fluid dispensing rate of the foggingdevice 31 for a given chemical, the desired saturation level, and thesize (e.g., entered volume or volume calculated based upon the enteredroom dimensions), the second processor 62 may calculate the respectivetimes that the fogging device will need to run continuously to reach thedesired saturation level. Generally speaking, the desired saturationlevel may be selected so that the concentration of the chemical is at amaximum level before condensation begins on surfaces in the enclosedarea.

In the present example, each fogging device 31 will only need to run 1/4of the time it otherwise would if it was the only fogging device in theenclosed area (since there are four fogging devices). Generallyspeaking, each fogging device 31 will be assigned an equal treatment orfogging time, but in some embodiments different devices may be assigneddifferent fogging times. This could be based upon different fluid levelsin each of the fogging devices 31, different flow rates of theidentified fogging devices, operational hours on each fogging device,etc.

Moreover, respective pulse times may also be assigned to each foggingdevice 31. During a pulse cycle, the fogging device may cycle on and offto help keep the enclosed area at the desired humidity level withoutoversaturating the enclosed area. Moreover, this may also help toconserve treatment fluid. When multiple fogging devices 31 are beingused, their pulse times may be coordinated to be on (i.e., dispensingfluid) at the same time, or to turn on at different (staggered) times,if desired.

Once the fogging times are determined for the fogging devices 31, thesecond processor 62 may initiate a treatment cycle during which, on acoordinated schedule, the first processor 37 of each fogging device 31causes its associated compressor 34 to dispense fluid from the fluidreservoir 33 into the enclosed area via the atomizing nozzle 35 for therespective fogging time of the fogging device, at Block 144. The foggingdevices 31 may then run for the designated fogging times in a continuousmode so that the enclosed area reaches the desired saturation level, atBlock 145, after which the optional pulse phase may occur for theappropriate amount of time, at Block 146, which illustratively concludesthe method of FIG. 14 (Block 147). In the example implementation shownin FIG. 9, a H₂O₂ fogging solution (i.e., a mixture of H₂O₂ and water)is used for a disinfection treatment in a hospital room, with a desiredsaturation level of greater than 85%, and more particularly between 90and 95%, although other types of treatment chemicals and appropriatesaturation levels may be used for different applications in differentembodiments. An example pulse phase for this use case may be 45 secondson, 15 seconds off during each minute of the pulse phase, although othercycle times may be used in different embodiments.

Generally speaking, Applicant theorizes without wishing to be boundthereto that during the fog or saturation phase, enough chemical shouldbe added to the enclosed area to bring the area to around 90% relativehumidity or more for the above-described H₂O₂/H₂O mixture. Moreparticularly, with such a chemical mixture, when the relative humidityis above 85% then the enclosed area may be considered to be in the “killzone” where most if not all pathogens will be killed if exposed for asufficient duration at this concentration. Thus, the amount of timenecessary for the fog or saturation cycle may vary depending on thestarting relative humidity, and additional time may be required wherethe starting humidity is relatively low, for example, to reach the killzone. The purpose of the pulse phase is to keep the enclosed area in thekill zone.

In accordance with another example dwell cycle implementation, the pulsephase may be broken into five minute programmable segments (althoughother durations may also be used). Each segment may include compressorcycling on/off for a given time (e.g., 100 seconds off, 100 seconds on,100 seconds off, although other durations may be used and the on/offtimes may be different). This ratio may change based upon the given fogor saturation time. That is, for a shorter fog time there may be ashorter ON segment, and a longer fog time may have a longer ON segment,for example. The length of the pulse time may advantageously be adjusted(e.g., in a range of 10 to 40 minutes, although longer or shorter timesmay be used) based upon the particular pathogen(s) that is targeted. Byway of example, a relatively short pulse phase of ten minutes may besufficient for a relatively easy to kill pathogen, while a longer time(e.g., 25 minutes or more) may be used to kill C-Difficile (C. diff).

FIG. 10 shows an example screen shot during a treatment cycle indicatingthe status of the job being performed for the specific fogger withserial no. 1234. Here again, the building/room information andtechnician name are displayed, along with other parameters relating tothe status of the job. More particularly, a temperature measured by anoptional temperature sensor (not shown) of the fogging device 31 isdisplayed, a current measured humidity level is being displayed (whichmay be determined by a humidity sensor located in the room, as will bediscussed further below, although there may be a humidity ormicro-condensation sensor on the fogging device as well), as well asindicators of progress in the treatment cycle and time remaining. Inshould be noted that the screen shot of FIG. 10 may be based upon “realtime” data when the first and second wireless transceivers 36, 61 are inrange of one another, but the second processor 62 may also providevirtual or estimated information if the wireless transceivers are out ofrange. That is, the second processor 62 may keep its own estimated timesto completion for each fogging device(s) 31, which is updated when inwireless communications range of the fogging device. Thus, if atechnician leaves the vicinity of the enclosed area during the treatmentcycle, he may still know the approximate status of each foggingdevice(s) 31 even though it is presently out of range.

In accordance with one example implementation, the plurality of foggingdevices 31 may be wirelessly “daisy-chained” or otherwise connectedtogether in a wireless network (e.g., an ad-hoc Wi-Fi network) tocoordinate start/stop times for application to larger spaces. Forexample, an ad-hoc network may be established between a plurality offogging devices 31 in one or more rooms of a building, etc., such thatthe wireless communications device 60 acts as a master device tocoordinate start/stop times of the other devices between them (which actas slave devices). In this regard, the wireless communications device 60may be a smart phone, tablet, etc., as noted above, or in otherembodiments the wireless communications device may be may be a givenfogging device 31 from which the treatment cycle is initiated for all ofthe remaining devices. In another example embodiment, the wirelesscommunications device 60 (e.g., a smart phone, tablet computer, etc.)may pair with each of the fogging devices 31 individually (e.g., viaBluetooth), and cause them to start sequentially (i.e., one after thenext), or to all begin fogging at the same time, for example. Thus,start/stop times for the different fogging devices 31 may be coordinatedto occur at the same time, or to be staggered, as desired for a givenimplementation.

Referring additionally to FIG. 11, in some embodiments the wirelesscommunications device 60 may be further programmed to provide firmwareupdates (e.g., retrieved via the Internet from the manufacturer) to thefirst processors 37 of each fogging device 31 via the first and secondwireless transceivers 36, 61. In the illustrated example, two foggingdevices 31 are identified (here labeled Fogger A and Fogger B), alongwith an indication of the firmware version that each is running (52.20and 52.25, respectively). Moreover, a most current version of thefirmware currently available (here version 52.25) is also provided,along with a selection button or link to download or push the update tothe given fogging device 31. Moreover, this illustrated screen alsoprovides an indication of the version of the app running on the mobilewireless communications device 60 (here version 1.02), along with a linkor button that may be selected to update the app version.

The app may be provided by the manufacturer of the fogging devices 31for users to install on different computing platforms (e.g., Android,iOS, etc.), and allow for future firmware upgrades to the foggingdevices including, but not limited to, support for optional hardware(humidity sensors, H₂O₂ sensors, etc.), new treatment cycle profiles fordifferent chemicals, etc. Similarly, the app may provide correspondingcontrol options for such features on the display 63. The app may alsodisplay operational hours, maintenance issues, malfunctions, etc., whichmay occur with the fogging devices as well. Such information may bemaintained by the first processor 37 of each fogging device 31 andlocally stored, and it may be accessed via respective control panels 49at each of the fogging devices as well. The control panel 49 may includea digital (e.g., LED) display and one or more input devices (e.g.,buttons, knobs, etc.), for example. The app may also cause the firstprocessor 37 to provide updates regarding usage and status of eachfogging device 31 to a central location (e.g., manufacturer, servicecompany, etc.) so that maintenance needs and job performance may bemonitored, for example.

Turning now to FIGS. 12 and 15, in accordance with another exampleembodiment, a fogging device(s) 31 may be paired with a humidity sensor120 for monitoring the humidity level in the enclosed area to controlthe fogging treatment cycle. In one example embodiment, the humiditysensor 120 may be a micro-condensation sensor, for example, althoughother types of humidity sensors may be used in different implementations(e.g., a H₂O₂ sensor, where are H₂O₂ treatment chemical is being used).In some applications, it may be desirable to place the humidity sensor120 in the enclosed area apart from the fogging device 31, asillustratively shown in FIG. 12, to help ensure that the humidityreading more accurately reflects that of the overall area. However, inother applications the humidity sensor 120 may be incorporated orintegrated in the fogging device 31 itself. In particular, if the nozzle35 is directed out and away from the fogging device 31 (i.e., ratherthan straight up in the air), a built in humidity sensor 120 may providedesired readings as well. In such case, the humidity sensor 120 may bedirectly connected or hard wired to the first processor 37.

Beginning at Block 151 in the flow diagram 150, the fogging device 31may be identified by the wireless communications device 60 as describedabove, at Block 152 (although in some embodiments the fogging device maybe controlled locally and a separate wireless communications device neednot be used to interface with the fogging device). The first processor37 of the fogging device 31 may communicate with the humidity sensor 120via the first wireless transceiver 36, although a wired link may also beused in some embodiments. The first processor 37 may thereby determinean initial humidity level for the enclosed area prior to the beginningof the treatment cycle, at Block 153.

Generally speaking, for some chemical solutions, greater efficacy may beachieved if the treatment is started when the humidity within theenclosed area is in a preferred or desired range. By way of example,with respect to a 95% H₂O to 5% H₂O₂ disinfectant solution, Applicanttheorizes without wishing to be bound thereto that greater efficacy isachieved if the treatment cycle is initiated when a relative humidity inthe enclosed treatment area is between 30% and 50%.

To this end, a dehumidifier 121 may optionally be connected to theoutput 42 of the fogging device 31, and when the first processor 37determines that the humidity level in the enclosed area is above 50%from the humidity sensor 120, the first processor may accordinglyactivate the output 42 to turn on the dehumidifier until the humiditylevel falls below the desired humidity threshold (here 50%, althoughother levels may be used in different applications), at Blocks 154-155.Conversely, in extremely dry climates, a humidifier may likewise beconnected to the output 42 to perform humidification and raise thestarting humidity for the enclosed area to the desired lower thresholdfor the effective starting humidity range (e.g., 30% in the aboveexample). It should be noted that while the output 42 was described asan AC outlet above, in some embodiments this could be a low power output(e.g., USB port, etc.), or the humidifier, dehumidifier, filter, etc.may be controlled wirelessly, similar to the humidity sensor 120. Insuch cases, the dehumidifier (and/or humidifier) may be plugged into itsown wall outlet, so that it need not receive power from the foggingdevice 31.

Once the humidity in the room is within the desired starting range(e.g., below 50% in the present example), the treatment cycle may beinitiated (Block 156) during which the first processor 37 of the foggingdevice(s) 31 causes its associated compressor 34 to dispense fluid fromthe fluid reservoir 33 into the enclosed area via the atomizing nozzle35, as discussed above. However, in this implementation, a fogging timefor the fogging device(s) 31 need not be set or calculated by the secondprocessor 62, as the first processor 37 may instead communicate with thehumidity sensor 120 to determine when the humidity level in the enclosedarea has reached the target saturation level from fogging (e.g., 90% inthe present example), at Block 157.

If a pulse phase is used for the particular treatment, as discussedabove, intermittent cycling of the atomizing spray may be performeduntil the desired pulse time is completed, at Blocks 158-159. Statedalternatively, it is the determination by the humidity sensor 120 thatthe target saturation level has been reached that triggers stopping ofthe saturation or fog phase of the treatment cycle, and the beginning ofthe pulse phase of the cycle (if used in the given embodiment). Again,the pulse time may be based upon the particular chemical being used, andhow long the enclosed area needs to remain at the saturation level forthe given application. In the above example, the pulse phase may be usedto help keep the relative humidity in approximately the 80-95% range(although different target saturation levels and pulse ranges may beused for different types of chemicals). Controlling the treatment cyclebased upon measured humidity, rather than a timed cycle, may be helpfulin area where there is a significant amount of drapes, carpet, bedding,etc., which tend to absorb some of the atomized fluid such that a longersaturation phase may be required to get the enclosed area up to thetarget saturation level as compared to a “bare” room.

In embodiments where the dehumidifier 121 is optionally used, uponcompletion of the pulse phase the first processor 37 may activate thedehumidifier (Block 160) to help dissipate the chemical in the enclosedarea and bring the humidity level back down to a normal level. This mayadvantageously help make the room safe to enter more quickly than simplywaiting for the room to air out. The method of FIG. 15 illustrativelyconcludes at Block 161.

Turning additionally to FIG. 13 and the flow diagram 160 of FIG. 16,another example embodiment is now described in which an optional filter130 is coupled to the output 42 of the fogging device 31. Beginning atBlock 161, The fogging device(s) 31 in the enclosed area may beidentified, and the treatment cycle initiated, by the wirelesscommunications device 60 as described above (Blocks 162-163), althoughit should be noted that a fogging cycle may be initiated directly at thefogging device via the control panel 49 as well without using thewireless communications device in some embodiments. Once the treatmentcycle is completed (which may include a saturation phase only, orsaturation and pulse phases (as discussed above), at Block 164, thefirst processor 37 may then operate the filter 130 via the output 42,similar to the way in which the dehumidifier 121 is operated, asdescribed above. The method concludes after the filtration is complete,at Blocks 166-167.

The filter 130 illustratively includes a fan 131 to circulate airthrough or over a filter medium 132. While various types of filters maybe used and coupled to the output 42 of the fogging device 31, forexample, for the above-described example of a hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)based treatment solution, a manganese dioxide (MnO₂) filter medium maybe particularly helpful to dissipate or neutralize the H₂O₂ in the room.Here again, this will more rapidly bring the concentration of thechemical in the room to a level that is safe, allowing the room to beturned around more quickly for its next use. This may be particularlyadvantageous in areas such as patient rooms or surgical rooms wherethere is high throughput or demand. Moreover, this approach may besignificantly faster than using a comparable portable size dehumidifier.In one example embodiment, the filter medium 132 may include glass beadsor pellets which are coated with MnO₂, although other suitable styles offilters may also be used, and different chemicals or materials may beused for the filter medium 132 depending upon the given chemicalsolution that is to be used in the treatment cycle.

In accordance with another advantageous aspect, the fogging device 31may wirelessly interface with an HVAC system in the building (e.g., suchas through a wireless thermostat that has Wi-Fi connectivity, etc.). Asa result, the fogging device 31 may control when the HVAC system turnson/off during/after a treatment cycle.

It should be noted that, while various features discussed above arepresented individually with respect to different diagrams for clarity ofillustration, these features may be combined in a same embodiment indifferent applications. For example, some or all of the humidity sensor120, dehumidifier 121, and filter 130 (and/or humidifier) may be used ina same embodiment. Moreover, both time-based treatment cycles andhumidity-based treatment cycles may be supported simultaneously. Thatis, if the humidity sensor 120 is not present in the treatment area,then treatment times may be calculated and used for the foggingdevice(s) 31, but otherwise the humidity sensor may be used to determinewhen to start and/or stop the fogging cycle. Furthermore, the treatmenttimes for the fogging device(s) 31 may still be determined even when thehumidity sensor 120 is present, in the event that the humidity sensorfails, etc., and the fogging cycle may then be concluded based upon thefirst processor 37 of the second processor 62 keeping the fogging timeas a backup, for example.

Turning now to FIGS. 17-19, in accordance with another exampleembodiment, the fogging device(s) 31 may further include a plurality ofultraviolet (UV) lights 170, which in the illustrated example are stripsof light emitting diode (LED) UV lights which are coupled to orintegrated with the housing 32. In the present example, the UV lights170 are positioned on the top and sides of the housing to shine UV lightin all directions around the fogging device 31, although in otherembodiments the lights do not have to be on every side of the housing.

Generally speaking, certain higher wavelengths of UV light act as anatural disinfectant by penetrating the outer cell wall and cell body ofmicroorganisms to alter their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and therebydestroy the microorganisms. In this regard, certain UV light devices aresometimes used to irradiate surfaces or treatment areas for disinfectionpurposes. However, in addition to the ability of UV light to break downmicroorganisms on its own, when used in the presence of water, otherlower wavelengths of UV light generate hydroxyl (—OH) free radicals.Thus, by activating the UV lights 170 during the treatment cycle whenthere is atomized disinfectant within the enclosed treatment area,Applicant theorizes without wishing to be bound thereto that there is acombined or compounded effect which causes organic molecules andmicroorganisms to be destroyed faster. That is, the pathogens are killedby one or more of: (a) the disinfectant (e.g., H₂O₂) in the atomizedfluid; (b) the natural cell destroying power of the relatively higher UVwavelengths by themselves; and (c) the lower UV wavelengths causing thewater within the atomizing fluid to produce very reactive hydroxyl freeradicals which also attack molecules in microorganisms. This, in turn,may result in a significant decrease in the amount of time required toobtain a kill for any given pathogen, which may be particularlyimportant in environments such as hospitals, etc., where rooms need tobe disinfected and put back into service quickly.

Yet, UV light is also harmful to human cells for the same reasons, andit is accordingly important that operators of the fogging device 31 orothers be exposed to the UV light as little as possible. As such,referring to the flow diagram 190 of FIG. 19, beginning at Block 191,the processor 37 (either responsive to the second processor 62 or viadirect user input at the fogging device 31) initiates the treatmentcycle as described above, at Block 192, during which the disinfectantfluid is dispensed from the fluid reservoir 33 into the enclosed areavia the atomizing nozzle 35. However, the processor 37 mayadvantageously wait for a first time period (e.g., 30 seconds to a fewminutes) and then turn on the UV lights 170 to expose the atomized fluidin the enclosed area to UV radiation (Blocks 193-194). This first timeperiod or delay advantageously allows the operator time to exit theenclosed area before the UV lights 170 are activated. In this regard, adelay (of the same or different duration) may also be used in someembodiments from the time the operator initiates the treatment processuntil the time that fogging commences.

The processor 37 may further determine when a second time period haselapsed, at Block 195. In accordance with one example, the second timeperiod may be set to coincide with the end of the dwell period (i.e.,the end of the dwell period is also the end of the second time period).In this way, the UV lights 170 are activated only while atomized fluidis being dispensed. In other embodiments, the second time period may endearlier or later (e.g., part way through the dissipation phase). In anyevent, the second time period will generally be selected so that the UVlights 170 are turned off (Block 196) prior to the treatment cycle beingfully completed. That is, the UV lights 170 may be turned off prior toproviding an indication that the treatment cycle has been completed.Thus, if following proper safety precautions and waiting until thetreatment cycle completion indication is provided, the operator will atno time be exposed to UV light when setting up or retrieving the foggingdevice(s) 31 from the treatment area. The method of FIG. 19illustratively concludes at Block 199.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 20-21, in accordance with anotherexample embodiment an external UV light assembly 270 is used instead ofthe integrated UV lights 170 described above (although in someembodiments both may be used). In this configuration, the UV lightassembly 270 is coupled to and controlled by the output 42 of thefogging device, which in this example is an AC outlet that isselectively powered by the first processor 37 to turn the UV lightassembly on and off as described above with reference to FIG. 19. Itshould be noted that in other embodiments, the UV assembly 270 may bepowered by a different source and merely controlled via the output 42(e.g., a wireless interface, for example). Other suitable approaches forpowering and controlling the UV light assembly 270 may also be used. Inthe illustrated example, the UV light assembly 270 includes low-pressuremercury discharge lamps, although other suitable UV light sources (orcombinations thereof) may also be used in different embodiments (e.g.,black lights, halogen lights, fluorescent and incandescent sources, andcertain types of lasers).

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tothe mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited tothe specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications andembodiments are intended to be included.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A system for disinfecting an enclosed areacomprising: a humidity sensor; and a fogging device comprising aportable housing, an atomizing disinfectant generator carried by theportable housing, at least one output circuit carried by the portablehousing, and a processor carried by the portable housing and configuredto determine a humidity level within the enclosed area based upon thehumidity sensor, operate a humidity control device via the at least oneoutput circuit responsive to the determined humidity control level beingoutside of a starting humidity range, cease operating the humiditycontrol device responsive to the humidity level being within thestarting humidity range based upon the humidity sensor, and initiate atreatment cycle during which the atomizing disinfectant generatordispenses atomized disinfectant fluid into the enclosed area.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the treatment cycle includes a saturationphase wherein the atomizing disinfectant generator operates to dispenseatomized disinfectant fluid continuously to bring the enclosed area to atarget saturation level, and a pulse phase wherein the atomizingdisinfectant generator operates to intermittently dispense atomizeddisinfectant fluid to maintain the enclosed area at the targetsaturation level.
 3. The system of claim 1 further comprising at leastone ultraviolet (UV) light; and wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to, after a first time period following initiation of thetreatment cycle, activate the at least one UV light via the at least oneoutput circuit to irradiate the enclosed area and atomized disinfectantwhile the atomized disinfectant fluid is being dispensed into theenclosed area.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to, after a second time period following initiation of thetreatment cycle longer than the first time period and prior tocompletion of the treatment cycle, deactivate the at least one UV lightvia the at least one output circuit.
 5. The system of claim 1 whereinthe fogging device further comprises a power outlet carried by theportable housing and coupled to the at least one output circuit; andwherein the processor activates the humidity control device via the atleast one output circuit and the power outlet.
 6. The system of claim 1wherein the humidity control device comprises a dehumidifier.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the humidity control device comprises ahumidifier.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one outputcircuit comprises a wireless communications transceiver.
 9. The systemof claim 1 wherein the humidity sensor is carried by the portablehousing.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the humidity starting rangeis between 30% and 50% relative humidity in the enclosed area.
 11. Afogging device comprising: a portable housing; an atomizing disinfectantgenerator carried by the portable housing; at least one output circuitcarried by the portable housing; and a processor carried by the portablehousing and configured to determine a humidity level within the enclosedarea based upon a humidity sensor, operate a humidity control device viathe at least one output circuit responsive to the determined humiditycontrol level being outside of a starting humidity range, ceaseoperating the humidity control device responsive to the humidity levelbeing within the starting humidity range based upon the humidity sensor,and initiate a treatment cycle during which the atomizing disinfectantgenerator dispenses atomized disinfectant fluid into the enclosed area.12. The fogging device of claim 11 wherein the treatment cycle includesa saturation phase wherein the atomizing disinfectant generator operatesto dispense atomized disinfectant fluid continuously to bring theenclosed area to a target saturation level, and a pulse phase whereinthe atomizing disinfectant generator operates to intermittently dispenseatomized disinfectant fluid to maintain the enclosed area at the targetsaturation level.
 13. The fogging device of claim 11 further comprisingat least one ultraviolet (UV) light; and wherein the processor isfurther configured to, after a first time period following initiation ofthe treatment cycle, activate the at least one UV light via the at leastone output circuit to irradiate the enclosed area and atomizeddisinfectant while the atomized disinfectant fluid is being dispensedinto the enclosed area.
 14. The fogging device of claim 13 wherein theprocessor is further configured to, after a second time period followinginitiation of the treatment cycle longer than the first time period andprior to completion of the treatment cycle, deactivate the at least oneUV light via the at least one output circuit.
 15. The fogging device ofclaim 11 wherein the fogging device further comprises a power outletcarried by the portable housing and coupled to the at least one outputcircuit; and wherein the processor activates the humidity control devicevia the at least one output circuit and the power outlet.
 16. A methodfor disinfecting an enclosed area using a fogging device comprising aportable housing, an atomizing disinfectant generator carried by theportable housing, and at least one output circuit carried by theportable housing, the method comprising: determining a humidity levelwithin the enclosed area based upon a humidity sensor; operating ahumidity control device via the at least one output circuit responsiveto the determined humidity control level being outside of a startinghumidity range; ceasing operating the humidity control device responsiveto the humidity level being within the starting humidity range basedupon the humidity sensor; and initiating a treatment cycle during whichthe atomizing disinfectant generator dispenses atomized disinfectantfluid into the enclosed area.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein thetreatment cycle includes a saturation phase wherein the atomizingdisinfectant generator operates to dispense atomized disinfectant fluidcontinuously to bring the enclosed area to a target saturation level,and a pulse phase wherein the atomizing disinfectant generator operatesto intermittently dispense atomized disinfectant fluid to maintain theenclosed area at the target saturation level.
 18. The method of claim 16further comprising, after a first time period following initiation ofthe treatment cycle, activating at least one ultraviolet (UV) light viathe at least one output circuit to irradiate the enclosed area andatomized disinfectant while the atomized disinfectant fluid is beingdispensed into the enclosed area.
 19. The method of claim 18 furthercomprising, after a second time period following initiation of thetreatment cycle longer than the first time period and prior tocompletion of the treatment cycle, deactivating the at least one UVlight via the at least one output circuit.
 20. The method of claim 16wherein the fogging device further comprises a power outlet carried bythe portable housing and coupled to the at least one output circuit; andfurther comprising activating the humidity control device via the atleast one output circuit and the power outlet.